Positive
mood and exercise also cut the risk of heart-related hospitalizations.

Ischemic
heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, is caused by narrowed
arteries that don't provide enough blood and oxygen to the heart.

Exercise
levels the playing field between positive and negative patients, researchers
said. So the differences in death rates between upbeat and sad heart patients
weren't as striking when both groups exercised. However, information on the
types and amounts of exercise were not available.

Other
studies have shown that heart patients' optimistic mood improves their health.

"We
should focus not only on increasing positive attitude in cardiac
rehabilitation, but also make sure that patients perform exercise on a regular
basis, as exercise is associated with both increased levels of optimism and
better health," said Susanne S. Pedersen, Ph.D., one of the study authors
and professor of cardiac psychology, the Department of Medical and Clinical
Psychology, Tilburg University, the Netherlands, and adjunct professor of
cardiac psychology, the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University
Hospital, Denmark.

Mood
and exercise have a chicken-and-egg, two-way relationship with each factor
influencing the other, she said.

The
study's results on patients, predominantly white and 75 percent male, likely
apply to a wider range of cardiac patients, including those in the United
States, Pedersen said.

###

The
above story is based on the Sept. 10, 2013 news release by American Heart
Association.

The
research has been published in the American Heart Association journal
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes:

the fine print

Prices and promotions are subject to change without notice.

We do not promote dangerous and illegal drugs.

The information in Zestzfulness is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for advice provided by your own doctor or pharmacist. We strive to present the most updated information to you; however, no warranty or guarantee is made concerning the accuracy and/or completeness or the information in or linked to or from this site.

If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your doctor or pharmacist.